The party
722 Words
I headed downstairs into the large hall we reserved for events. Today it was being used for my 22nd birthday. I took in the sights around me, the people of the court had really made an effort. A large table of food was placed at the end of the hall. It was filled with cakes and sandwiches and meats of all sorts. My stomach rumbled at just the sight of the delicious food.
Many a table and chair were placed in front of it. They had blue cloth covering the tops of the tables and large flower arrangements had been placed in the centre of them. The flowers also decorated the edges of the room as well as a solitary table to the side of me which seemed to contain a vast amount of presents.
Cheery music from extremely talented musicians poured into the room that I'd expect everyone would find hard not to dance to. It added to the happy atmosphere of the room. The whole thing was gorgeously made up, it was hard to believe that normally the hall was barren and quiet.
The room fell silent as everyone realised I fully entered.
"Happy Birthday!" A loud unsynchronised cheer erupted in the room as people yelled variations of congratulations at me.
Since everyone was looking at me already I took the chance to say aloud, "I'm sorry that I'm late, I got caught up getting ready. You know how us females can be! I want to say thank you to everyone who has attended or planned this for me and I intend to make my way round to thank and greet everyone I can. It's marvellous here. Thank you."
As people started to resume talking to each other I decided to walk over to greet some close friends when I felt someone tap my shoulder. I turned around and I was surprised to see James, my overseas spy, staring at me. He was very tall with black hair and grey eyes. He was only a couple of years older than me and treated me more like a sister than a queen.
"Happy Birthday Arabella, I'm glad I made it in time to celebrate," he said earnestly,
"James! I didn't think you'd be back for a few months, I'm so glad you made it," I exclaimed happily, wrapping my arms around for a hug, "why are you back so early? It can't just be because of my birthday."
I pulled back and he smiled sadly. "I'm sorry I have to tell you this on your birthday but it seems we have a problem, hence why I've travelled back so soon."
I took a shaky deep breath as he continued to explain. It could only mean bad news if he travelled back instead of sending a letter
"King Seth has only grown more in his hatred towards us. He has literally started describing us as the spawn of evil to the other kingdoms and it seems the more he talks the more they listen. Their loathing of us has increased enough that I wouldn't be surprised if they decide to launch a war against us. The only way to stop this is to get them to see for themselves that we are not 'the spawn of evil' and so you must travel to the mainland and gain some allies."
I could feel the fear growing within me but I knew that I'd have to do as he said If I were to stop us from going into a war that would leave all of the people in this isle dead.
"I'll leave tomorrow. If this is as serious as you say I'll have to go as soon as possible. We must get prepared. I can only take a few others with me so as to not appear as a threat but still have protection," I heard myself say. The knots in my stomach were growing but there wasn't much else I could do.
"Okay, I'll get everything ready for you, you just make sure you have your personal items and choose who you want with you. I'm sorry I had to tell you today but I fear the worst and the longer we wait the more serious the threat."
He pulled me into a hug before leaving to start organising everything. I guess I was right, this wasn't going to be as simple as I'd have liked.
- Writer
